French ambassador calls on Punjab CM

LAHORE, Jan 9 (APP): French Ambassador to Pakistan Mrs. Martine Dorance met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discussed matters of mutual interest and strengthening cooperation in different sectors during a meeting at the latter’s office, here on Monday.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Chief Minister said there were strong friendly relations between Pakistan and France, adding there was a need to promote trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Shehbaz said France had special expertise in generation of energy from
alternative resources, water and sanitation and agro based industry and some French companies were already working in Punjab.
He said there was highly conducive atmosphere for investment in the
province and French investors could benefit from vast investment opportunities in Punjab, reassuring the diplomat that maximum facilities would be provided to the French investors.
“Exchange of trade delegations can help promote economic ties between the two countries,” he added.
French Ambassador Mrs. Martine Dorance said investors of prominent
French companies wanted to invest in Punjab and a delegation of French investors would soon visit Punjab.
She said Punjab was making rapid progress under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding France had extended maximum cooperation to the Punjab government in social sectors and this cooperation would increase in future.
The French diplomat said France was ready to cooperate in the sectors of urban development and smart cities.
The French Ambassador also extended an invitation to Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit France which he accepted.
Provincial Minister for Communication & Works Tanvir Aslam Malik,
Chairman Planning & Development, secretaries of Industries, Energy, Housing and Minerals departments, Chief Executive Officers Punjab Investment Board and authorities concerned were present on the occasion.